Magnificent Matthews seals comprehensive Windies Women win over Ireland Women

DUBLIN, Ireland  (CMC):

Hayley Matthews produced a captain’s knock of sheer class, smashing a brilliant unbeaten 82 to guide the West Indies women’s team to a crushing eight-wicket victory over Ireland in the opening match of the Women’s Tri-Series here on Thursday.

Chasing a modest 103 after a ruthless bowling display, the visitors raced to their target in just 11.3 overs, making an emphatic statement to open the campaign.

Sent in to bat, Ireland’s innings never recovered from a disastrous powerplay. Losing three wickets inside the first six overs left the hosts gasping at 36-3, and while the middle order fought hard, they failed to build any meaningful partnerships or acceleration.

Captain Orla Prendergast top-scored with 25, while Leah Paul added 21, but Ireland limped to 103 all out in 17 overs.

Left-arm spinner Qiana Joseph was the chief destroyer with stunning figures of three  for eight from just two overs, while Zaida James and Jahzara Claxton claimed two wickets apiece.

The West Indies were sharp in the field, consistently applying pressure and forcing the Irish batters to go the aerial route, which accounted for eight catches.

In reply, Ireland managed two early breakthroughs to raise brief hopes. Deandra Dottin, playing in her 300th international match, was caught in the deep for just three off Ava Canning.

Joseph, the bowling hero, fell for six  to Canning as well, leaving the Windies at 35 for two just before the powerplay ended.

But, from there, Matthews took complete command. Mixing controlled aggression with smart shot selection, she punished every loose delivery, bringing up her half-century in just 34 balls.

Her calm presence, alongside veteran Stafanie Taylor, ensured no alarms during the chase. The skipper finished with an unbeaten 82 off 44 deliveries as West Indies cruised to 104-2, sealing an eight-wicket victory with plenty of overs to spare.